Banded Pipefish

Description of the Banded PipefishThe Banded Pipefish is also commonly known as the ringed pipefish. The pipefish belongs to the same family as the seahorse (Syngnathidae). Like the seahorse, the female pipefish lays her eggs in the males pouch, he then fertilises them and incubates the eggs until the fry hatch.

Banded Pipefish

Profile of the Banded PipefishThis Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Banded Pipefish species.

Size: Up to 19cm

Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1 to 8.4. Temp: 22 to 25 Degrees

Diet / Feeding: Dried, Frozen or Flaked Food

Temperament: Peaceful

Habitat: Marine reef dweller at depths of up to 56m

Behaviour: Good addition to community tank

Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean

Scientific Classification of the Banded PipefishDefinition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

Species: Dunkerocampus dactyliophorus

Popular Name: Banded Pipefish

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class:Actinopterygii

Order:Gasterosteiformes

Family: Syngnathidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Banded Pipefish?The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Banded Pipefish slimy?Banded Pipefish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Banded Pipefish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Banded Pipefish have gills?Gills enable the Banded Pipefish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Banded Pipefish have fins?A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Banded Pipefish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Banded Pipefish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Banded Pipefish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Banded Pipefish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement